Using cool roofs to improve health in Niue
A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) Evaluating the Effects of Cool Roofs on Health Outcomes Using Smartwatches in Niue
This study is testing if special cool roofs that reflect sunlight can help improve health for people living in Niue by keeping their homes cooler during hot weather.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Auckland, New Zealand Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Auckland) |
| Trial ID | NCT06571019 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the impact of sunlight-reflecting cool roof coatings on health outcomes in Niue, where rising temperatures due to climate change pose significant health risks. Participants will wear smartwatches to monitor heart rate, physical activity, and other health metrics over a nine-month period. The goal is to assess whether these cool roofs can effectively reduce indoor temperatures and improve health conditions, particularly for those living in vulnerable housing situations. The research aims to provide empirical evidence for passive housing adaptations that can mitigate heat stress in low-resource settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over living in single-story homes with metal roofs in Niue who can commit to the study duration and wear a smartwatch.
Not a fit: Patients living in unstable housing or those without access to a smartphone compatible with the smartwatch may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the health and well-being of individuals living in heat-affected areas by reducing heat exposure and promoting healthier lifestyles.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using cool roofs is gaining attention, empirical studies specifically assessing health outcomes in low-resource settings like Niue are limited, making this a novel investigation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Participant criteria: * Consenting adult aged 18 years and over. * Expected to be available to participate in the study for at least nine months in the next 12 months. * Willing and able to wear a smartwatch. Household criteria: * House has a metal roof. * House is single-story. Exclusion Criteria: Participant criteria: * One participant per household * Does not have a smartphone with an internet connection that can connect to the smartwatch. Household criteria: * Unstable house structure that does not permit the application of cool roof materials. * Inaccessible by the research team. * Significant roof damage defined as any penetrative roof defect that results in a hole in the roof OR over 25% of the roof rusted.
Where this trial is running
Auckland
- University of Auckland — Auckland, Niue (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Collin Tukuitonga, Sir. Dr. — University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Study coordinator: Aditi Bunker, Dr
- Email: aditi.bunker@uni-heidelberg.de
- Phone: +49 (0) 6221 56-5040
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.